2009 Chevrolet Impala: common problems and reliability

The 2009 Chevrolet Impala has 824 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and electrical system. Owners most often flag transmission failure — complete failure or severe slipping, particularly in high-mileage examples (e.g., over 200,000 miles). frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2009 model year

824
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
43
Crash reports
9
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2009 Chevrolet Impala vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

air bags
232
electrical system
224
engine
179
vehicle speed control
130
electronic stability control (esc)
108

Recalls affecting the 2009 Impala

air bags:sensor:occupant classification

Campaign 16V507000

General Motors LLC (GM) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Chevrolet Impala vehicles manufactured April 25, 2008 through February 16, 2010. The front passenger seat frame may contact and damage the wires of the pa…

electrical system:ignition

Campaign 14V355000

This defect can affect the safe operation of the airbag system. Until this recall is performed, customers should remove all items from their key rings, leaving only the ignition key. The key fob (if applicable), should a…

suspension:front:control arm:lower arm

Campaign 12V377000

General Motors (GM) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Chevrolet Impala police vehicles because the front lower control arms may fracture. This safety recall does not include non-police Chevrolet Impala vehicles.

seat belts:front:anchorage

Campaign 10V480000

GM IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009-2010 CHEVROLET IMPALAS FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 210, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLY ANCHORAGES." THE FRONT SAFETY BELT WEBBING …

What owners say across generations

Owner sentiment is highly fragmented across generations, with no single dominant consensus. For classic models (1959, 1963, 1994-1996 SS), sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, centered on iconic styling, collectibility, and performance (e.g., 409 V8, LT1 V8).

  • Transmission failure — Complete failure or severe slipping, particularly in high-mileage examples (e.g., over 200,000 miles). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Engine mechanical problems — Head gasket failures on 3.5L and 3.9L V6 engines; oil leaks; timing component failures; oil pressure issues related to switches and filter housing gaskets. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical and starting issues — Intermittent no-start conditions with clicking noises; battery and alternator failures; systems resetting (time/date) during starting problems. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Erratic idle and stalling — Caused by faulty Idle Air Control (IAC) valves, mass airflow sensors (P0102 code), or EGR-related issues (P1404 code). Frequency: recurrent.
  • Oil consumption and leaks — Very common, cited as a typical issue requiring regular attention. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Impala.

Typical used price

Used Impala listings typically run $10,010–$14,887 across 2002 to 2020 model years.

Other Impala model years

2015 Impala2013 Impala2012 Impala2008 Impala2006 Impala2004 Impala
Full Chevrolet Impala owner reportCompare against another car